lost

Life is full of a lot of questions. I have learned that there is only One person who gives me the right answers to my questions. He is the One who has a Look of Love in His eyes.

When I ask Him: “Lord, why are You allowing all these natural disasters? Tens of thousands of lives lost. . .more are homeless and hopeless. . .Lord, You could do something. Why?” I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I AM the helper of the fatherless. . .the defender of the oppressed. I am still in control. My ways are not your ways. Trust Me when your questions are not answered.”

Some days I’m just exhausted. . .I don’t feel like I can handle any more. . .there are too many demands from my ministry. . .from my family. . .from my friends. . .from those in need. He gently picks me up in His strong arms. . .lets me put my head down on His chest. I listen to His heartbeat and I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I love you. Come to Me whenever you are weary and tired. I will give you rest.”

When I blow it and go to Him to confess my sin. . .again. With shame in my eyes I don’t want to look into His eyes. But, He gently cups my chin in His hand, lifts my eyes to His and I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “You are forgiven. As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions. Go and walk in the newness of life.”

When I have been falsely accused. . .my reputation questioned. . .my ministry attacked. I see the Look of Love in His eyes as He says: “I understand. I’ve been there. You are blessed if you are insulted because of My Name. Repay evil with blessing. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . .Trust Me.”

When life gets too hard and I go to Him and say: “It’s not worth it. It’s too hard to live this Christian life.” He gazes at me with Look of Love in His eyes and says: “O My Child, My Beloved. . . every bit of pain and agony I went through on the cross was worth it to have you in eternity with Me. Fix your eyes on Me, the author and perfecter of your faith. It is I who endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You have a wonderful future. I know. I have prepared a place for you.”

I have experienced that Look of Love in His eyes over and over again and I can’t get enough of it! I have heard Him speak to me through His Word again and again and I can’t get enough of it! How about you?

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (NIV) Ephesians 1:13

The transaction of redemption is legitimized when Paul says in Ephesians 1:13 that believers are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (RSV). (In Paul’s time, a seal was used to confirm that an object or a document was genuine and/or to mark a thing as one’s property.) The Holy Spirit is a deposit or payment of earnest money guaranteeing the inheritance promised by God. The Spirit is our down payment, the first installment made in advance, that secures the “legal” claim of our redemption.

When all seems lost. . . when it seems that God is silent. . . when it looks like God has disappeared. . . remember, God has not forsaken you. Jesus Christ died for you. The Holy Spirit secures God’s payment in your relationship with Him. Read the Truth – cling to the Truth – and trust God!

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (NIV) Isaiah 30:21

Not too long ago I was in an unfamiliar area of the country, traveling from one city to another. It seemed like the directions were instructing me to turn onto new roads about every 5 minutes. I had a couple of good maps, but most of the roads were 2 lanes in a mountainous area. Needless to say, I had to pay very close attention to what I was doing so that I did not make a wrong turn and end up lost.

Sometimes in life, we feel like we are on a circuitous route, unsure of every turn we take. At times the decisions we make can have long term effects on our lives and the lives of those around us. Other times the decisions that we face are choosing between what is good and what is best. And although we do not have detailed road maps for life, we do have God’s Word and His Spirit to guide us.

Are you facing decisions today? Who are you relying on for the answers? your own gut instinct? your friend’s advice? whatever the circumstances dictate? Or are you relying on the One who knows the future to direct you? I don’t know about you, but I feel safest listening to the true Guide!